The majority of the classic Blue Note recordings of the 1950s and 1960s were characterized by highly conversant horn exchanges and brilliant, supportive rhythm sections. For Benny Green to pay tribute to that era of jazz with the instrumentation of piano-bass-drums is quite a task. But, Benny pulls it off with inspiration, energy and attitude.
“Magic Beans” is Benny Green’s ode to the magic chemistry of Blue Note musicians such as Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd, Wayne Shorter and Art Blakey, his employer of 25 years ago. The contemporary chemistry of Green on piano, Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums recalls the Bud Powell Blue Note trio sessions with a 2013 spin. It was my pleasure to give “Magic Beans” by Benny Green its first WEMU “spin” on this morning’s “89.1 Jazz” playlist. You will find this pleasurable listening on WEMU because the songs are original compositions with structures, rhythms and chord progressions reflective of the archetypical Blue Note sessions. There is joy in jazz improvisation throughout “Magic Beans” by Benny Green.
